matcha!

do you know matcha?

i know matcha.

i love matcha.

Matcha is finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea. It is special in two aspects of farming and processing: the green tea plants for matcha are shade-grown for about three weeks before harvest, and the stems and veins are removed in processing. During shaded growth, the plant produces more caffeine. This combination of chemicals is considered to account for the calm energy people might feel from drinking matcha. The powdered form of matcha is consumed differently from tea leaves or tea bags, and is dissolved in a liquid, typically water or milk.

The traditional Chinese and Japanese tea ceremony centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha as hot tea and embodies a meditative spiritual style. In modern times, matcha also has come to be used to flavor and dye foods such as mochi and soba noodles, green tea ice cream, matcha lattes, and a variety of Japanese wagashi confectionery. Often, the former is referred to as ceremonial-grade matcha, meaning that the matcha powder is good enough for tea ceremony. The latter is referred to as culinary-grade matcha, but there is no standard industry definition or requirements for either.

okay, okay, that's all great.

the short and sweet is that matcha is bright and delicious, has amaaaaazing health benefits (hello, antioxidants!) and can be used in a thousand different ways!

go get some and get started!

matcha latte:
1/2 teaspoon matcha powder, sieved and whisked into 1/2 cup of hot, hot water or milk until frothy!

and below is my new fav recipe for energy bites!

enjoy!

Matcha Energy Bites

Makes about 12-14 balls.

*be aware! 1/2 teaspoon of matcha (the amount in each of these balls) is equal to the caffeine in about a cup of green tea!!*

1/2 cup pitted dates (whole is best but as you can see, i used chopped and it worked out just fine)

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder, plus extra for rolling if desired

1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all in a food processor and pulse until a coarse paste forms.

Roll by the tablespoon in your palm until a small ball forms.

Roll in extra matcha, if desired, and chill until very firm.

Enjoy!